Suspended

I was born near hammock island. The coastal town of Pawleys Island, SC is home to the original rope hammock, and I grew up with one of these classics in my backyard. In fact, my parents still own this very same hammock.

But to me and my sisters, it was much more than just a hammock. Hours were spent transforming the roped masterpiece into whatever our imaginations held during those fun-filled days back in the eighties and early nineties.

So you bet it makes me smile to see my kids carry on the tradition with their portable nylon hammocks. Looking at that small pouch, you'd never know the grand adventures it contains.

Suspended between two sturdy trees.

But a child does not see either of these.

To her, she is a captain sailing rough seas.

The boat rocks as winds die to a gentle breeze.

Three girls bounce in a wagon pulled by a horse.

A third tree with a rope is the horse, of course.

A lack of supplies brings the riders great remorse,

Because the Oregon Trail is one tough course.

An old blanket is added to the mix,

To form a shelter for a family of six,

Draped over as roof and walls with sticks.

A few gather berries, for there’s dinner to fix.